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Neither the old hierarchical organizational model nor the spontaneous self-organization one have found a form of philosophy and organization that can bring us to a positive, humanist alternative to the system.

Abstract: On its 150th anniversary, as contemporary capitalism shows some signs, albeit fitful, of mutating beyond neoliberalism toward a new form of authoritarianism rooted in economic nationalism and protectionism, Marx’s Capital helps to illuminate the system’s underlying structure and the way out, especially if we allow that he has something to tell us not only on capital and class, but also on race and gender. Among the most salient concepts in Capital I are the dehumanization of the worker via commodity fetishism, a problem rooted in the production processes of capitalism, and the concomitant quest for free and associated labor by the working people. Equally salient today is the absolute general law of capital accumulation, which shows that mass unemployment is a permanent feature of highly developed capitalism, as machines replace human labor in a process that also leads to stagnation and the tendency toward a decline in the rate of profit. Finally, Marx’s mature theory of revolution shows not only labor rising up against capital, but also how in particular capitalist societies, this process can be either retarded or hastened by ethnic and national divisions within the working classes.

Abstract: On its 150th anniversary, as contemporary capitalism shows some signs, albeit fitful, of mutating beyond neoliberalism toward a new form of authoritarianism rooted in economic nationalism and protectionism, Marx’s Capital helps to illuminate the system’s underlying structure and the way out, especially if we allow that he has something to tell us not only on capital and class, but also on race and gender. Among the most salient concepts in Capital I are the dehumanization of the worker via commodity fetishism, a problem rooted in the production processes of capitalism, and the concomitant quest for free and associated labor by the working people. Equally salient today is the absolute general law of capital accumulation, which shows that mass unemployment is a permanent feature of highly developed capitalism, as machines replace human labor in a process that also leads to stagnation and the tendency toward a decline in the rate of profit. Finally, Marx’s mature theory of revolution shows not only labor rising up against capital, but also how in particular capitalist societies, this process can be either retarded or hastened by ethnic and national divisions within the working classes.

Neither the old hierarchical organizational model nor the spontaneous self-organization one have found a form of philosophy and organization that can bring us to a positive, humanist alternative to the system.

Background. Live, multivalent vaccines have historically exhibited interference in humans; live dengue virus (DENV) vaccines have proven no exception. Methods. To characterize interactions between DENV serotypes in a tetravalent live-attenuated virus vaccine candidate, we analyzed data from a factorial clinical trial in which all combinations of high- and low-dose DENV serotypes were combined in 16 live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine formulations (N = 64) and administered to flavivirus-naive adult volunteers. Regression models considered the outcomes of reactogenicity and seroconversion, controlling for all serotype doses simultaneously. Additionally, results were compared against earlier evaluations of the same viruses administered as monovalent formulations. Results. DENV-1 was immunologically dominant in both monovalent and tetravalent formulations. In tetravalent formulations, DENV-1 and DENV-2 antagonized each other, with a high dose of one decreasing seroconversion to the other. However, high-dose DENV-1 significantly increased seroconversion against 3 or more serotypes, increasing seroconversion to DENV-1, DENV-3, and DENV-4. The highest reactogenicity occurred when DENV-1 was at high dose and all others were low; reactogenicity decreased with the incorporation of other high-dose serotypes. Conclusions. Interference and facilitation occurred between serotypes in the live vaccine candidate evaluated. These analyses suggest that it may be possible to exploit facilitation to increase overall seroconversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to determine whether cannabinoid-1 (CB(1)) receptor binding was altered in the postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of individuals with schizophrenia (schizophrenia; n=47) compared to controls (n=43). The CB(1) receptor inverse agonist radioligand [(3)H]MePPEP was used to measure specific binding to CB(1) receptors. The specific binding of [(3)H]MePPEP to CB(1) receptors was 20% higher in patients with schizophrenia than in controls. Power analyses suggested that 53 subjects per group would be needed to detect a similar difference in vivo with positron emission tomography (PET) and the structurally related inverse agonist radioligand [(18)F]FMPEP-d(2) (80% statistical power, p<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The important trace elements, copper and selenium, have diverse effects on human health. As well as other important roles in living tissues, these trace elements are toxic at high levels but are key constituents of various enzymes and proteins essential for maintaining physiological health. However, links between dietary intakes of these elements, particularly copper, and bone mineral density (BMD) in humans remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate whether dietary intakes of copper and selenium are associated with BMD in women. Dietary intakes of copper and selenium were assessed for 575 women in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study, using a detailed semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire in conjunction with nutrition composition databases. Participants taking oral multivitamin preparations were excluded from analyses; 522 participants (ages 20-88 y) met the eligibility criteria. BMD at multiple skeletal sites was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (Lunar DPX-L). Separate multivariable regression models were developed to identify associations between copper and selenium intakes and BMD, after adjustments for age, anthropometry, other dietary factors, medication use, and lifestyle factors. Median (interquartile range) daily intake for copper was 1.5 mg (1.2-1.9) and for selenium, 72 μg (57-90). Low intakes (lowest tertile versus pooled upper tertiles) of copper and selenium were consistently associated with lower BMD at multiple skeletal sites. Fully adjusted models identified small but statistically significant differences in BMD, ranging from 1.8% to 4.0% for low copper intakes and 1.4% to 4.0% for low selenium intakes. Low dietary intakes of copper and selenium were both independently associated with lower BMD, at least in this sample of women. The results contribute to the evidence base for informing dietary recommendations for these trace elements with respect to their contributions to optimal bone health.

Although patients believe that osteoporosis is a painful condition, health professionals assume it is painless unless a fracture occurs. The association between BMD and back pain has not been examined longitudinally in community-based adults in an unbiased population using gold-standard measures. This study aimed to examine the association between BMD and incident high-intensity back pain and/or high disability over 10 years in Australian men without high-intensity symptoms at baseline. Men with no high-intensity back pain and/or high disability attending the Geelong Osteoporosis Study at the 5-year visit (occurring between 2006-2010) (considered the baseline for the current study) were followed for 10 years (reassessed between 2016-2021). Back pain and disability were assessed using the Graded Chronic Pain Scale at both time points. At baseline, DXA was used to measure lumbar spine and total hip BMD and spinal artefacts. The relationships between BMD and incident high-intensity pain and/or high disability at follow-up were examined using binary logistic regression, adjusted for age, body mass index, depression, education, smoking, mobility, and spinal artefacts. A total of 679 participants had no to low-intensity pain and/or no to low disability at baseline. A total of 441 attended follow-up, providing back pain and disability data. Thirty-seven men developed high-intensity pain and/or high disability. No association of BMD at any site was seen with incident high-intensity pain and/or high disability. BMD was not associated with incident high-intensity pain or disability in community-based men. These data provide evidence to dispel the erroneous community-held belief that low BMD is related to back pain and disability., Competing Interests: None declared., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.)

Competing Interests: Declaration of interests L.N.J., S.H.B., K.B.A., M.M., G.L.A., P.S., K.M., R.R.T., and I.M.J. have PCT application PCT/US24/10136 on the μBites technology discussed in this article. Thermaquatica Inc. has two issued patents on the OHD technology (US Patent Nos. 8,563,791 and 10,023,512).

Background: Previous studies report that maternal vitamin D exposure during pregnancy is associated with offspring later-life bone health. A study in the Vitamin D in Pregnancy (VIP) cohort reported sexually dimorphic effects of maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25(OH)D) and offspring fracture profiles at 10 years of age. We, therefore, aimed to determine associations between maternal 25(OH)D status and offspring fracture risk at 16 years of age in this cohort., Methods: In total, 475 mother-child pairs were recruited to the VIP study in southeastern Australia. Maternal serum samples were obtained at recruitment (<16 weeks' gestation) and/or 28-32 weeks' gestation and analysed for 25(OH)D. Radiologically-confirmed incident fractures in children were ascertained from date of birth (2002-2004) until July 16, 2019. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine associations between maternal 25(OH)D and childhood fracture risk, and final models included maternal age at recruitment, offspring sex, birth weight, gestation length and season of 25(OH)D sample., Results: Data were available for 400 children (mean age 16.1 years). There were 122 (30.5%) children who sustained at least one fracture. Higher maternal 25(OH)D (per 10 nmol/L) in early gestation was associated with a decreased fracture risk in boys (HR 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.99); the pattern was reversed in girls (HR 1.10; 95% CI 1.00, 1.22). At late gestation, higher maternal 25(OH)D was associated with an increased fracture risk in girls (HR 1.14; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.24)., Conclusions: While our findings must be interpreted within the constraints of our limitations, we report that the contradictory risk profiles observed at early childhood in this cohort remain in adolescence., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Bone mineral density measured at the ultra-distal forearm site was associated with any fracture, as well as distal radius fracture in women from a longitudinal cohort study., Purpose: Femoral neck (BMD hip ) and lumbar spine (BMD spine ) bone mineral density (BMD) are routinely used to assess fracture risk. More data are needed to understand how ultra-distal forearm BMD (BMD UDforearm ) may assist fracture prediction., Methods: Using a Lunar DPX-L, Geelong Osteoporosis Study women (n = 1026), aged 40-90 years, had BMD measured. Incident low-trauma fractures were radiologically verified. Using Cox proportional hazard models, hazard ratios (HR) were calculated for BMD UDforearm as a continuous variable (expressed as a one-unit decrease in T-score) and a categorical variable (normal/osteopenia/osteoporosis). Areas under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curves were calculated. Analyses were conducted for any fracture and distal radius fractures., Results: During 14,270 person-years of follow-up, there were 318 fractures (85 distal radius). In adjusted models, continuous BMD UDforearm was associated with any (HR 1.26;95%CI 1.15-1.39) and distal radius fractures (HR 1.59;95%CI 1.38-1.83). AUROCs for continuous BMD UDforearm , 33% forearm(BMD 33%forearm ), BMD hip , BMD spine , and FRAX without BMD were similar for any fracture (p > 0.05). For distal radius fracture, the AUROC for BMD UDforearm was higher than other sites and FRAX (p < 0.05). In adjusted models, those with osteoporosis had a higher likelihood of any fracture (HR 2.12; 95%CI 1.50-2.98). For distal radius fractures, both osteopenia and osteoporosis had a higher risk (HR 4.31; 95%CI 2.59-7.15 and 4.81; 95%CI 2.70-8.58). AUROCs for any fracture were similar for categorical BMD at all sites but lower for FRAX (p < 0.05). For distal radius fractures, the AUROC for BMD UDforearm , was higher than other sites and FRAX (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Ultra-distal forearm BMD may aid risk assessments for any distal radius fractures., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Travel to Southeast Asia increases the likelihood of acquiring mosquito-borne Flavivirus infections such as dengue (DENV), Japanese encephalitis (JEV) and Zika viruses (ZIKV). Expatriates are long-term travellers who have a higher risk of mosquito-borne illness at their destination country. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of DENV, JEV and ZIKV infections and the determinants contributing to seropositivity among expatriates living in Thailand., Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from December 2017 to February 2020. Expatriates from non-Flavivirus endemic countries were recruited. 5 mL of blood was collected for DENV 1-4, JEV and ZIKV antibody testing by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT50). Individuals with vaccination histories or diagnoses for dengue, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever and tick-borne encephalitis were excluded., Results: Among 254 participants, most participants (83.1%) were male, the mean age was 65 years and the median duration of stay in Thailand was 6 years. Seroprevalence rate of any Flavivirus, non-specific DENV, DENV1-4, JEV and ZIKV were 34.3, 30.7, 20.5, 18.1, 18.9, 10.6, 4.7 and 2.8%, respectively. The presence of neutralizing antibodies against DENV1-4 positively correlates with the duration of stay in Thailand. DENV seropositivity was associated with living in urban areas (aOR 2.75, 95% CI 1.36-5.57). Expatriates were unlikely to have detectable anti-JEV antibodies regardless of time spent in a JEV-endemic area. No risk factors were identified that were significantly associated with JEV or ZIKV seropositivity. Only 48.4% received pre-travel counselling services, while only 18.9% visited a travel medicine specialist., Conclusions: A high proportion (34.3%) of long-term expatriates living in Thailand were seropositive for flavivirus, mainly from dengue (30.7%). To minimize risk, travel medicine practitioners should provide adequate pre-travel health risk information on mosquito-borne flavivirus infection and offer advice on mosquito bite prevention strategies. Dengue vaccine might be considered in high-risk travellers such as long-term expatriate., (© International Society of Travel Medicine 2024. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Dengue, caused by four closely related viruses, is a growing global public health concern, with outbreaks capable of overwhelming health-care systems and disrupting economies. Dengue is endemic in more than 100 countries across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, and the expanding range of the mosquito vector, affected in part by climate change, increases risk in new areas such as Spain, Portugal, and the southern USA, while emerging evidence points to silent epidemics in Africa. Substantial advances in our understanding of the virus, immune responses, and disease progression have been made within the past decade. Novel interventions have emerged, including partially effective vaccines and innovative mosquito control strategies, although a reliable immune correlate of protection remains a challenge for the assessment of vaccines. These developments mark the beginning of a new era in dengue prevention and control, offering promise in addressing this pressing global health issue., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests No funding was used for this publication. GP-B and LEA are employees of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. LCK is supported by the Intramural Research Program of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The findings and conclusions in this Seminar are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All other authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The differentiation of dengue virus (DENV) infection, a major cause of acute febrile illness in tropical regions, from other etiologies, may help prioritize laboratory testing and limit the inappropriate use of antibiotics. While traditional clinical prediction models focus on individual patient-level parameters, we hypothesize that for infectious diseases, population-level data sources may improve predictive ability. To create a clinical prediction model that integrates patient-extrinsic data for identifying DENV among febrile patients presenting to a hospital in Thailand, we fit random forest classifiers combining clinical data with climate and population-level epidemiologic data. In cross-validation, compared to a parsimonious model with the top clinical predictors, a model with the addition of climate data, reconstructed susceptibility estimates, force of infection estimates, and a recent case clustering metric significantly improved model performance.